reese sidewinder pin boxes

[bigdom2016]

I have a 2015 Flagstaff classic super lite fifth wheel, it came with a Reese Sidewinder pin box, which I haven't tried yet. I would like some feed back from people who have used the sidewinder feature and if they liked or hated it. Thanks to all responders. bigdom2016

[markb5900]

I have the "revolution" which is the same but factory installed, the aftermarket is called the sidewinder.
Except for some additional moaning, I LOVE it. I have a 6 1/2 foot bed and can go more than 90 degrees and not even get close to the back window.

[bob caldwell]

Originally Posted by bigdom2016

I have a 2015 Flagstaff classic super lite fifth wheel, it came with a Reese Sidewinder pin box, which I haven't tried yet. I would like some feed back from people who have used the sidewinder feature and if they liked or hated it. Thanks to all responders. bigdom2016

PM old Coot

[Mtelkman]

I have the Revolution which came on my 5er. I tow with a short bed truck and it is great!

[DaveandSue]

I have one on our Chaparral.I really do like it a lot.I used to have a 1500 Ram with the 5 1/2 ft.bed.It was a necessity with it.Now have a 3500 Ram with6 1/2ft bed.Still use it.Don't need it,but still use it.

[1Texan]

In installed the Sidewinder on our trailer when I bought it since I also bought a new GMC crew cab with 5 ft. 8 in. bed at the same time. So I needed to have it. My other option was a slider hitch. Since I knew I would be taking the hitch in and out all the time, I didn't want to deal with the weight of a slider. With this setup I can use a standard hitch. And to answer your question, I love it. I never have to look in the mirror to make sure I don't clip the cab. I would use it even if I had the 6 1/2 ft bed, just to be sure.

[bld]

I have 2012 rockwood 8289, I tow with a 2011 f150 5.5 box works great can turn almost 90

[Jjsav]

I tow an with the Reese Revolution, with a 5 1/2 foot bed now for three years and love it. No issues what so ever. Works great.

[BusyRetirees]

Have one on my fiver and have a 6.5' box with a regular hitch. No problems, works great.

[BamaBob]

X2 on the above. We love ours and can indeed go past 90° when the occasion merits.

[itat]

It's interesting to hear all of you using the Sidewinder/Revolution pinbox with a 5.5' box. I was told it's not recommended for anything less than a 6.5' box.

[pontiacdan45]

I'd say the only think to look at are the previous posts about using the wedge, lubrication and torque of the mounting bolts. Everything is posted in the library on this site, including diagrams. I've had mine with a 8289 ws since 2014. Initial issues hitching and un hitching were due to my inexperience, but common for many users. Sure pulls straight and great.

[8288WS]

I am very pleased with the added manoeuvrability this style of hitch provides. However, there is one very annoying issue I have with mine. It squeaks and squeals as it moves. I have tried squirting lithium Grease into the plate where is moves but nothing works. Anyone else have this problem?
Chuck

[Strigflag]

Go up on youtube and check out the REESE videos on the Revolution/Sidewinder. It will dispell a lot of misinformation about this pinbox including the one about not being compatable with Curt hitches.

[B and B]

I have it, hitch replaced free last year at goshen due to a seized pin. Works great! Need to keep it lubed and not dry like some people here say, direct from Reese techs.

[Long Leaf Piners]

We traveled with a SuperGlide for several years with an Alpen Valhalla and at 14k, it pulled like a dream with our shortbeded F250. Traded to a 2014 Flagstaff 8528IKWS--lighter, but equipped with the Sidewinder/Revolution pinbox...so we traded out for a 14K standard hitch.
While the Superglide was always easy to hitch up on the Valhalla, the Revolution required a very lined up orientation in order to lock in clearly. We had learned to work with this, but found it to be an on-going hassle.
But, ultimately (by May, 2015) the pinbox actually sheared a welded nut inside the nose of the Revolution pinbox and we could only tighten one of the two bolts for the wedge. Under tow, this broken nut could have lead to two swivel points on the hitch & pinbox--and untenable situation.
We were stranded, but near Tom Johnson's in Marion, NC, where we had originally bought our Flagstaff.
So, under their advice, we unhitched & locked the Revolution back into its "Transport" mode--basically turning it back into a standard pinbox. In order to tow, we ultimately replaced our 14K Reese with a new Superglide (now smaller and fitting on the already installed universal bed rails) and continued traveling extensively through October, 2015. Easier to hitch, pulls easy, straight, and confidently.
I just felt you needed another view of the Revolution--Tom Johnson's repair group said that they had seen that shearing of the welded nut only once or twice before.

[bob caldwell]

Same thing happened to Glenn J. awhile back. Sent him a new pin-box

[PhoneDude 8289]

X2 on all the above.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Just installed the Sidewinder pin box on my 2011 Rockwood. Had to modify
the existing bracket on the camper by cutting off about 3" of the RV brackets in order to get the 6" clearance between rails and bottom of camper. I had used a Super Glide hitch in my F-150 which weighs close to
400#. When I upgraded my TV to a F-250, I decided to go with the sidewinder pin box. The 16K hitch in my F-250 weighs 1/3 what the Super Glide does. Pulls great with the sidewinder Pin box. I can remove the 16K Reese hitch very easy form the bed of my TV now.

[bob caldwell]

Did you pick up more turning clearance? (over the Pull-rite)